Canada has extended temporary immigration measures for eligible Palestinians who are already in the country or who manage to leave Gaza and arrive in Canada before September 30, 2027.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced the update on July 31, 2026, citing the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the difficult conditions facing civilians.
The previous temporary measures for Palestinians and foreign national family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents were scheduled to expire on July 31, 2026.
Under the new extension, two sets of temporary measures will remain available until December 30, 2027.
Work Permit Extensions for Palestinians Already in Canada
Palestinians who received open work permits through the previous temporary measures may now apply to extend them.
Standard application and processing fees will apply to these work permit extensions.
Those who need to extend their visitor or study permits can continue to apply through IRCC’s regular immigration channels.
As of May 31, 2026, Canada had issued 2,383 valid work permits and 236 valid study permits to Palestinian passport holders in the country.
Support for Eligible Palestinians Arriving in Canada
Eligible Palestinians who arrive in Canada on or before September 30, 2027, and did not previously apply under the temporary measures may qualify for additional support from within Canada.
They may apply for fee-exempt open work permits, study permits, temporary resident permits or extensions of their temporary resident status.
The extension is intended to support eligible Palestinians who have been unable to leave Gaza, provide biometrics or complete their immigration applications because of circumstances outside Canada’s control.
Many applicants have faced significant challenges leaving Gaza to complete the immigration process. The updated measures mean that eligible Palestinians who reach Canada by the September 30, 2027 deadline can access the same temporary support provided to those who have arrived since 2023.
Additional Support After Arrival
Canada said it will continue providing eligible displaced Palestinians with temporary financial assistance after they arrive.
They may also receive coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program and access settlement services designed to support their transition into Canadian communities.
These services may include assistance with housing, language support, employment preparation and other settlement needs.
The extension does not remove the requirement for applicants to meet the eligibility and admissibility conditions connected to the permit or temporary status for which they are applying.
Eligible applicants should carefully review the application requirements, deadlines and fees that apply to their circumstances before submitting a request to IRCC.
The updated measures will expire on December 30, 2027, while the deadline for eligible Palestinians covered by the arrival provisions is September 30, 2027.
How Sehli Global Can Help
As a licensed Canadian immigration consulting firm, Sehli Global can help eligible Palestinians review their current immigration status, understand the extension requirements and prepare their open work permit renewal applications.
We can also assist those who need to extend their study permits, visitor status or other temporary immigration documents.
To receive professional guidance based on your situation, book a consultation with Sehli Global.
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